Arsenal eye surprise deadline day transfer departure

It’s all kicking off in the world of Arsenal this transfer deadline day as the final hours of a 12-week rollercoaster are culminating in a mad cap sprint to the finish for Mikel Arteta, Edu and co.

After starting the 2021/22 campaign in historic fashion with zero points and zero goals from their opening three Premier League fixtures, the pressure has been cranked up in north London.

While there are blatant tactical and stylistic issues for Arteta to deal with, as far as the squad goes it’s nowhere near the finished article with a host of exits needed.

Five new faces have walked through the doors to the tune of £130m, and Arsenal still aren’t finished. Indeed, with Hector Bellerin set to join Real Betis on loan, one with no option or obligation buy, that has opened space in the squad up for Takehiro Tomiyasu to join for an initial £16m.

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Arsenal eye surprise deadline day transfer departure with Mohamed Elneny in line for sale with interest in Egyptian midfielder this window

The Japanese defender is a centre-back by trade but has filled in admirably at right-back, with his profile, technical level and versatility key behind the Gunners’ pursuit.

As it stands there will be no more arrivals barring some late changes, although one such change could be prompted by Mohamed Elneny’s possible departure.

As per Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mail, there is interest in the Egyptian and his potential sale could be on the cards before the 11PM deadline. With less than a year left to run in his contract and no signs of an improved deal on the horizon, this is one of the moves to keep an eye on as the clock ticks down.

With Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga all ahead of the 29-year-old in the pecking order it may be that Arsenal see Elneny as surplus to requirements, but it’s a move that would surely prompt another dip in the transfer market.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ unsavoury position at Arsenal could end in movement before the deadline and there is simply no possibility that if he and Elneny go, Arteta can head into the season with just three senior central midfielders. One of whom will be off to AFCON.

It’s already looking bare with the four there. With Partey and Elneny’s international endeavours to come and Sambi’s inexperience, Elneny leaving can only take place with a replacement in mind.

With hours to go before the deadline, is there late drama on the cards?